Lahore tops pollution index

The Punjab capital ranked as the most polluted city in the world on Saturday as air quality worsened across the metropolis, even as light showers and an intermittent cloud cover offered temporary respite from the intensifying smog.

Lahore's Air Quality Index (AQ) reading stood at 163, ranking it at the top of the global list of most polluted cities.

Data showed particularly hazardous conditions in several neighbourhoods with the AQI on Multan Road recorded at 316, Ada Plot 286, Shalimar Town 261, Paragon City 258, Syed Maratib Ali Road 247, and Bedian Road 243.

An AQI above 200 is classified as "very unhealthy," posing health risks to the general population.

Environmental experts urged residents to limit outdoor activities, wear protective masks, and avoid burning waste as air pollution continues to worsen ahead of the winter smog season. The city's deteriorating air quality, they warned, is the result of vehicle emissions, industrial smoke, and seasonal crop residue burning across Punjab's agricultural belt.

While smog thickened across the metropolis, the Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) forecast partly cloudy skies and possible rain through the weekend. The department reported that Lahore's highest temperature was expected to reach 33°C and lows around 23°C.

The PMD predicted a 40 to 80 per cent chance of rain during various times of the day, along with alternating periods of sunshine and clouds.

Meanwhile, Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) Director General Irfan Ali Kathia said the flood situation in Punjab is currently under control, though more rain is expected in the coming days.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, Kathia said that flood-affected families are returning to their homes as water levels continue to recede across most districts. He added that surveys are under way to assess damage in affected areas, while restoration work on damaged road infrastructure is in progress. "We are working to compensate the losses caused by the floods and ensure early rehabilitation," he said.

The PDMA chief confirmed that river levels have returned to normal and there is no immediate flood threat in the province.

However, he cautioned that India is expected to release additional water into the Sutlej River, which could increase flow in the coming days. "There is also a likelihood of 35,000 cusecs of additional water entering the Ravi River from India," he said.

Kathia noted that teams comprising officials from multiple departments are carrying out transparent surveys across 27 flood-affected districts to determine the extent of losses. "The survey process is being conducted with transparency and coordination among departments," he added.

He acknowledged that some localities still face stagnant water, posing challenges for residents and recovery teams, but emphasised that the overall situation is improving steadily. "Punjab is not facing a flood emergency at this time, though continued monitoring and preparedness are in place given the forecast of further rainfall," he said.

The weather agency warned that heavy rainfall till Monday could trigger flash floods in hill streams and nullahs across northern Punjab. Murree is on alert for possible flooding and landslides.

The department cautioned that windstorms, lightning, and hailstorms could damage vulnerable structures such as mud houses, billboards, electric poles, and solar panels.

Travelers and tourists were advised to avoid unnecessary exposure to risk-prone areas and stay updated on weather conditions.

Dry weather was expected across most districts, though rain, wind, and thunderstorm were likely in Rawalpindi, Murree, Galiyat, Attock, Jhelum, Gujrat, Sialkot, Narowal, Hafizabad, Wazirabad, Khushab, Lahore, Kasur, Gujranwala, and Mianwali.

Similar conditions are forecast for Sunday across much of Punjab, including Sargodha, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Multan, Bahawalpur, and Dera Ghazi Khan, with heavy rain and hail possible in isolated areas.

During the past 24 hours, hot and dry weather prevailed in most regions, though isolated rainfall was recorded in upper Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The highest rainfall was reported at Peshawar Airport (15 mm) and Pattan (14 mm). The day's highest temperatures were recorded in Turbat (42°C) and Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, Bahawalnagar, and Khanpur (39°C).

For the coming days, Lahore air quality forecast shows fluctuating pollution levels with the AQI expected to dip to 129 on Sunday, and then rise gradually to 151 by Friday.

Environmentalists say the return of light rain may briefly improve visibility and reduce dust particles in the air, but sustained improvement will require concerted efforts.